Talking About Body Parts to a Nude Model

In general, I avoid using slang for body parts, especially if it’s considered vulgar. When talking to models or describing my photos in writing, I sometimes struggle for the right words. I’m not looking to be politically correct or please everyone, or I wouldn’t make nude photographs in the first place. However, it is important to show respect to your model and not make her uncomfortable. Of course the words that are considered acceptable or vulgar vary from person to person, region to region, and over time.

Here is a list of a few words, grouped by body part, and separated into offensive and acceptable. You may find it helpful, humorous, or even offensive. If you’re easily offended I recommend you stop reading now! I’ve even decided to censor a few that are patently vulgar.

Of course using the right word doesn’t mean you won’t offend your model, depending on what you’re asking her to do with the body part. Asking the right way helps, but it won’t do too much to move the model’s comfort level with a given pose. Then there are the models who are offended by nothing and are comfortable using vulgar slang. You have to play it by ear. I don’t start using language that I consider degrading just because a model does; nor do I get offended by her choice of language.